CAIR Protests Muslim’s Appointment to Religious Freedom Watchdog: ‘Sock Puppet for Islam Haters’
- Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:32am by
Billy Hallowell
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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) –the federal watchdog that was created back in 1998 to help the president, Congress and the Department of State better understand religious persecution across the globe — is at the center of debate over a new appointee.
According to Religion News Service, Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, a Muslim who has been appointed to the group, is drawing cries of protest from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), among others.

Dr. Zuhdi Jasser (AP)
On the surface, this may seem counter-intuitive. After all, Jesser does, indeed, embrace Islam and CAIR is an organization that fights for the civil rights of Muslims living here in America.
But here’s the sticking point: Jasser has been a vocal proponent of controversial New York City police surveillance (programs that have, ironically, targeted Muslims). He narrated the film, “The Third Jihad,” which the NYPD came under fire for showing during training sessions. Additionally, he was opposed to the infamous Ground Zero mosque. (He has defended the film in an interview with The Blaze.)
Clearly, his opinions have fallen outside of the Islamic mainstream. As a result, CAIR has been open and honest about its disdain for the appointment.

“It would have been better to appoint someone who has some measure of credibility with Muslim Americans,” CAIR spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said. ”He has long been viewed by American Muslims and the colleagues in the civil liberties community as a mere sock puppet for Islam haters and an enabler of Islamophobia.”
Jasser, who was appointed by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), is a cardiologist who resides in Phoenix, Arizona. He has taken a firm stance against the vocal advocacy arms of the Islamic community in America. The organization he founded, the American Islamic Forum for Democracy, has called most U.S. Muslim groups “malignant” and has accused them of embracing “political Islam.”
Jasser is joined as an appointee to USCIRF by Robert P. George of Princeton University. George was appointed by House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio). Currently, three commission spots remain vacant and open.
“These appointments are further evidence that the Republican agenda is not about defending so-called ‘religious liberty,’ but about ensuring that their conservative values continue to have a prominent voice over other points of view,” lamented liberal blog ThinkProgress.
(H/T: Religion News Service)


















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Comments (95)
major11
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:52amI believe Mr. Mike Trivisono is off base here. One, if you look at the definition of the word in his posting: Dhimmitude it is defined as the Muslim system of controlling non-muslim populations conquered through jihad. Specifically, it is the TAXING of non-muslims in exchange for tolerating their presence AND as a coercive means of converting conquered remnants to Islam. This is a convoluted point to discuss religious freedom.
Secondly, this statement was proven false two years ago: The ObamaCare bill is the establishment of Dhimmitude and Sharia muslim diktat in the United States . Muslims are specifically exempted from the government mandate to purchase insurance, and also from the penalty tax for being uninsured. Muslims are specifically granted exemption based on this.
Thirdly, if you’ve actually took time to listen what Dr. Jasser has talked about on TV he seems to be a sensible and considerate individual. So, in time we will find out whether or not he’s a true Patriot. My conclusion is that we should not rush to judgment based on a posting which is very difficult to challenge and/or question the motives of the person making the allegations.
Let’s get real folks, in the final analysis true Americans will rise up for this country in a big way should it really hit the fan. In the meantime, I believe there is a swath of the population that are actively engaged in the political shennanigans. We must hold them ALL accountable to the best of our ability.
Report Post »akairey
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:06pmHere’s proof of how Islam works with Jihad! Explain very easily and we’re seeing proof of it here in this country with all the mosques being built and CAIR crying all the time:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERou_Q5l9Gw&feature=player_embedded
Report Post »Locked
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 1:22pm“Muslims are specifically exempted from the government mandate to purchase insurance”
Is this actually true? I can find no specific mention of Muslims nor Islam in relation to Obamacare’s exemptions. The closest I can find is that religions that forbid insurance (like the Amish) can be exempt, as can religious institutions (such as churches). But that’s not specifically Islam or Muslims; and as Muslims do not refuse other benefits like social security, there’s no precedent to exempt their members outside of the employees of mosques.
I’m just wondering if you have links that direct readers to the Obamacare legislation that, in your words, “specifically exempt” Muslims from it. Just because I can‘t find it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist, but as your wording is word-for-word from a chain-mail, I am a little dubious :-)
Report Post »jcvillar
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 3:59pm“specifically exempted”, eh? Kindly cite for me the precise section and paragraph number where Muslims are specifically exempted. Making up BS out of thin air doesn’t help the cause, particularly when it is so easily disproven. You are not the only one in the world with a machine searchable copy of the AHCA and this kind of intellectual dishonesty reflects on the rest of us here who are trying to get something accomplished.
So please, no more birth certificates, Obama-is-really-a Muslim innuendos, tin foil hats, and alien Freemasons from space, thank you.
Report Post »Elena2010
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 4:07pm@Locked — no they are no exempted. Specifics can be found at Snopes.com or truthorfiction.com
Report Post »kaydeebeau
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 6:47pm@ JCV…REALLY – read tha darn bill yourself!!! We did – do your own homework. It is in there along with a plethora of “the secretary or the administator shall determine….”, Muslims are prohibited from purchasing insurance in the Koran & the Hadith and the Suura (sp) from purchasing insurance because it is considered gamblingand are specifically exempt from Obamacare.
And anyway – if we did site it chapter and verse would you really go look it up???
Report Post »Steve28
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:51amThis guy is one of the good guys. He has warned about Cair and the Muslim Brotherhood. I do wish there were more like him!
Report Post »Lucy Larue
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 2:00pmSTEVE28,
Report Post »AfreakingMEN to you sir!
Dr. Zuhdi Jasser is a brave, brave, man.
Kathleen
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 3:35pmMay God protect him
Report Post »SquirrelNYC
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:31pmGod Bless people like Dr. Zudhi Jasser! I would love to see this man speak one day. He’s risking his life for just taking a stand, and a brave one at that. Unfortunately the media isn’t too friendly to Muslims who do stand up for America – that is an evil in itself. Pray for his safety. Stand your ground Zudhi!
Report Post »LukeAppling
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:29amI know of no muslim other than Jasser whom I trust. The CAIR slugs that come on to defend their hatred are disgusting and when they come on I mute.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:52amThere are plenty out there; they just don’t speak up about their religion or force their views (or acceptance of views) on others. It’s a spectrum; Dr. Jasser is a Muslim who loves his religion, but doesn’t want to force it on others or use it as a political motivator. CAIR members love their religion, but work to force acceptance of their views on others. The Taliban is nominally Muslim, but work to force their views on others.
Look at the difference between Dr. Jasser and CAIR at the “Ground Zero mosque.” Did the group in question have the legal right to build two blocks from Ground Zero? Yes; but while CAIR said they should do it without question, Jasser said it was just acting antagonistic and would result in a backlash that would do more to hurt Muslims in NYC than help them. He was right.
His views are what I like seeing in all religions. Believe what you want; but unless you’re being repressed, keep it to yourself and don’t try and force acceptance of YOUR views on OTHER people. Act through example, not force.
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:03amFreedom of speech and choice is why we live in America. If that is a problem for CAIR, I will help pay to send them back to their homeland. Apparently they, or their parents/grandparents before them, came here for a reason, and we intend to make sure people continue to be able to make their own choices in America.
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:09amWhat is hate speech, if America has freedom of speech?
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:30am@ the jerk , once again ur not reading his words u jerk.
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:04pmFrankly, the only side I hear “hate speech” is from the left, CAIR, NAACP, Sharpton, Jackson, Shelia Jackson Lee, and all the other nitwits in your party. I could list more, but I would end up using my allotted word count. Plus, I don’t feel like typing that much for so insignificant people.
Report Post »thegreatcarnac
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:49amCAIR has decided that the US is actually talking with and using a Muslim who is not as insane as CAIR would like. This, they cannot put up with. He is actually talking sanely for now. He may ‘go to ground’ (go nuts) later, but for now his facade is holding and CAIR doesn’t like it. His eyes are just not wild-looking enough.
Report Post »kaydeebeau
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:03am@ Mike_ you must not be very familiar with Dr. Jesser. He is a patriot and not a jihadist at all.
Report Post »mike_trivisonno
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:21am“… you must not be very familiar with Dr. Jesser. He is a patriot and not a jihadist at all….”
I do not need to be familiar with him. He is a muslim and thus cannot be a citizen of the nation in which he resides let alone a patriot. Just the notion of a muslim American patriot is anathema to Islam.
As a muslim it his goal to see Islam flourish and grow. And so, to that end, he seeks to establish hudna with the non-muslims of America. Meanwhile, his fellow travelers exploit our willingness to give audience to Jasser’s soothing words, and regroup, resupply, and wait until the time for more direct Jihad actions can be undertaken.
It is a mechanic of Jihad. Violent Jihad, Hudna, Violent Jihad, Hudna, and so on, until at last, exhausted and cowed, the target people simply give up and submit to the muslims.
Jasser’s form of sweet jihad is vile and dangerous. Do not listen to his deceptions.
Report Post »sawbuck
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:38amThe way I see it ALL faith’s have their followers that are STRONG in the faith and WEAK in the Faith.
In Christianity A strong Christian would be considered to follow the teaching of Jesus Christ ..To love even our enemies..
To be Christ-Like ,that for a Christian.. The Bar is so high we have to pray on a daily basis to ask for forgiveness because we All fall short.
And for some our WEAK Christian’s —
have taken “Luke-Warm” approach …They know Jesus is our Lord and Savior ,But society has Brainwashed us or decided to not wear are faith on our sleeve.. So over time The term “Christian” has been watered down ,to the point of letting every other faith including Atheism walk all over there’s. They have taken the…Nobody like’s a holly-roller approach…
To just say with their mouths “I believe in Jesus” ..
One could say this would be…
“A GOOD go with the flow Christian..”
The Bible calls them Luke-Warm..!
AND
Then you have the FALSE…CHRISTIAN
They pretend and are a False-Christian
They CLAIM to be a Christian but in reality They are a wolf in sheep’s clothing. They deceive / distort / and are corrupted..
They are in my opinion ANTI- CHRISTIAN.
If.. We where to put Christianity face to face with Islam
Report Post »We would see the WEAK Christian mirrors The STRONG Muslim.
I believe.. Dr. Zuhdi Jasser would fall into the LUKE-WARM
Category of Islam.. And that’s why the STRONG Muslims HATE him.
sawbuck
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:54amWe would see the WEAK Christian mirrors The STRONG Muslim
Report Post »~~~~~~~~~
I ment “FALSE” Christian mirrors The STRONG Muslim.
mike_trivisonno
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:59amThat is a tortuous route and a long road to travel to arrive at such a weak argument in support of Jasser. And it is inaccurate.
He is a muslim engaged in Jihad. The muslims sense that Americans are not falling into dhimmitude as easily as the Europeans have. And our awareness of their goals has given them no choice but to establish hudna, or “truce”, until they believe they can advance the Jihad again.
And so, it is time to trot out clowns like Jasser in an attempt to quiet the churning guts of American who now know the goals of The House of Islam. He is a dangerous man.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:32am@ saw buck , u better hurry & get 2 class before the bell rings.
Report Post »girlnurse
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:51pmChristians have gotten much too comfortable here in America. We aren’t exercising our faith muscle like we should. The third world Christians don’t need out missionaries! We could use them to be missionaries to us! They are literally being persecuted and need to rely on “daily bread”. Its time Christians here in America start speaking out. Jesus is a lion and a lamb. Can you imagine if tax dollars were spent to rebuild churches here in America? What would the left do? What about separation of church and state? Think about this:
Report Post »http://obamaisnotmypresident.com/blog/?p=3236
DisgustedinCT
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:33amThe policy of Islam is to convert the world.
Report Post »In the koran it states 3 ways to do this that stand out.
1. Just kill the unbelievers
2. Convert them and if you can not convert them, kill them.
3. Make a treaty with them and live in peace, until the treaty is done and then you go to step 1 or 2.
Islam divides the world into believers and unbelievers.
If your a unbeliever, then it is their duty to follow those three steps according to their koran.
If you are a muslem and you do not follow the koran to the letter, then you are to be killed also.
If you are a muslem and decide to change your faith to another religion, then you are to be killed also.
Have you every wondered why the muslims in America have never really publicly denounced the jihad and the actions of those who do it?
Because if they do, then they also will be killed by their fellow muslims for betraying their religion.
SpeckledPup
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:38am”If you are a muslem and decide to change your faith to another religion, then you are to be killed also””…..unless you commit tacciya [sanctioned muslim practice of lying to achieve your goal] and say you are a ‘Christian” and and become ‘president’ of the USA. .
Report Post »wbedding
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:33am@speckledpup – spot on, mate.
Report Post »Chromo200
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:33amWe soon will see this moron holding hands with Rev Jackson, and Sharpton. They have to do the selection .. if the person is not to their liking, they are call oreos and in this case “a mere sock puppet for Islam haters.”
Report Post »kevymac
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:30amI’ve heard Jassar speak several times. He is extremely articulate and is a very rational voice for the Muslim community. They should be proud that he was chosen.
Report Post »Chromo200
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:28amI’ve said it before ..never trust a muslim .. moderate or jihadist. In the end they all will follow the Mullah. CAIR is just a front for jihadis .. They just wear suits/ties and shave until the right time.
Did CAIR Say anything about support for the US for the proper burning of the koran. Did say anything when honor killings take place, or Islamist kill non muslims . Are they saying anything about the killings of Christians by muslims in Africa, Pakistan, Indonesia, Iraq, No they just BS about us being anti islam.
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:55amIsn’t it funny… the hypocrisy?
If I wrote, “I’ve said it before ..never trust a Jew .. Reform or Orthodox,” the cries of antisemitism would fall like manna from the skies. Where’s Locked when you need him?
Report Post »Locked
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:26amRight here, bud! Yes, if you write off any broad religion (Christian, Jew, Muslim, etc) because of the work of fundamentalists (Westboro, Haredi, jihadists), then you’re paintbrushing an entire group of individuals based on the actions of a minority.
Not sure what you want me to say… Chromo is as Islamophobic as you are anti-Semitic? Sure, sounds about right from these comments.
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:28am@ the jerk, every thing u say is junk, but u have a right 2 mail ur junk like the US mail.
Report Post »stickman54
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 4:17pmCAIR is the “Al Sharpton” of American Muslims….
Report Post »The_Jerk
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:26amAppointing Dr. Zuhdi Jasser to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom would be akin to appointing Benedict Arnold to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. You can not take the exception as the rule.
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 12:12pmWhat are you afraid of? That the good Muslim doctor won’t promote the jihad that CAIR so wants to happen in the U.S. So far the good doctor is only one of a few who are willing to “out” the others. When your sole goal in life is to wipe out another group because you think you are the only one who has God right, then you are a problem.
Report Post »KathyinMaine
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:24amThank God Jassar is in there. A Muslim who is not afraid to talk about what the Islamic Fascists have in mind for us.
Report Post »mike_trivisonno
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:35amHe is deceiving you.
Report Post »Kitsune
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:12amIslamists would not consider Jasser a Muslim, as Jasser interprets it solely as a religion, rather than as an all-encompassing system of politics and law.
Report Post »mike_trivisonno
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:23amHe does not. He presents this face as way to calm down the non-msulims who bristle at dhimmitude. His subtle form of jihad is most dangerous. He is deceiving you and means to see you submit to Allah. Of that, there can be no mistake.
He is an expert in establishing hudna so that the muslims may regroup and resupply and then advance the Jihad again.
Stop listening to the deception of the muslims.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:03amHe is making it harder for them to beat their wives, and kill their daughters………
Report Post »mike_trivisonno
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:20amDr. Zuhdi Jasser is an expert in establishing hudna.
Do not believe a single deception this muslim tries to pass of.
He is engaging in Jihad.
Report Post »Just in time
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:58amAnd what kind of representation do we get in the Muslim world?
Report Post »RightUnite
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:09amNada, None, Zilch…. I say we give them what we receive…
Report Post »lynnissmart
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:56amI’ve seen this guy….he makes sense…and is against all of what cair stands for! ha, ha, ha, ha, cair!
Report Post »randy
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:58amI don’t believe anything a MUSLIM says.
Report Post »After all, Jesser does, indeed, embrace Islam.
If he believes and embraces Islam, he believes in sharia Law.
Wake up you idiots!
Islam is a cancer in this world which needs to be eradicated!
Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:37am@ randy, yup , they have allot of making up, by starting with love of ur fellow man.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:54amI actually like this guy’s views, after reading more on him. He does indeed seem to be a moderate voice in Islam; if he’s seen as right-wing, it’s likely because he puts forth his love for the country over the religious interpretations of his faith. I think more people of all faiths need to do the same.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:59amDr. Jasser, may be the only trustworthy Muslim out there…..and if he upsets CAIR, then I like him even more.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:01amAgree. Islam needs to evolve out of its 600 AD mindset . Possible ?
Report Post »mike_trivisonno
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:25amHe is an expert at establishing hudna. He is deceiving you.
Report Post »Locked
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:28am@Mike
Here’s a quick way to decide if you have a point, or just an Islamophobe.
In your opinion, can anyone who calls themselves a Muslim also be a patriotic American?
Report Post »Wakeup Maggie
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:53amHe seems like a good guy to me
Report Post »GoodCook
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:51amWho Cairs?
Report Post »Sirfoldallot
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 11:34amlol
Report Post »TruthBe
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:49amThe meaning of a moderate Muslim is : a Muslim that’s out of ammo”. The Muslims want to take over the World. They hate American Christian values. Obama and Hillary Clinton gave the PLO, Hamas, Hezbullah, and the Muslim Brotherhood billions and billions of US taxpayers dollars thru the State Department without Congressional approval. And just this month Obama and Hillary gave Egypt 1.8 billion dollars to the Islamic’s who run the country.
Report Post »oldguy49
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:55amyep……they sneak in and like cockroachs they become something you have to learn to live with {sharia law} look at england and the rest of europe…………..best place for them is where they came from
Report Post »mycomet123
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:58amObama calls himself a Christian to the Americans. Obama acts like a Muslim to the Arab world. My gut feeling is that he is playing all sides & in Truth he is actually an atheist communist planted in this country with the help of his deceptive leader George Soros!
Report Post »NOTAMUSHROOM
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:46am““These appointments are further evidence that the Republican agenda is not about defending so-called ‘religious liberty,’ but about ensuring that their conservative values continue to have a prominent voice over other points of view,” lamented liberal blog ThinkProgress.”
That’s correct. Those “other points of view ” are generally Islamofascist, just like the evil one who pays for your organization. Soros.
Lament all day. You evil bast@rds will not get your way in the end.
Report Post »scrapadapolis
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:44amO sure he was a guest on fox for being against the radicals of useless,Now he’s the head of cair??
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:22amRe-read the article. He is no the head of CAIR.
Report Post »Conservative New Yorker
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 10:53amUmmm… maybe I’m misunderstanding you, but Jasser is NOT the head of CAIR. Here’s the excerpt from the above article:
*The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) –the federal watchdog that was created back in 1998 to help the president, Congress and the Department of State better understand religious persecution across the globe — is at the center of debate over a new appointee.*
CAIR doesn’t like this guy b/c he tells the truth about radical Islam and they can’t stand it.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:43am.
Report Post »It’s gonna be hard to tell the good muslims from the bad ones when the shooting starts…….
oldguy49
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:57amand a good one is ……………..
Report Post »JP4JOY
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:39amSo an intelligent truly moderate Muslim is not acceptable to CAIR. I guess only those who have JIHAD in their hearts and minds are true Muslims.
Report Post »hawkeyez
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:55amI know you ment this to be sarcastic, however it is very true. True Islam has no room for moderates. It is an all or nothing cult. It should be banned in western countries but our leaders haven’t got the guts because we need oil and they need votes to stay in power. We are victims. Prepare yourself.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:59amHAWK: As Erdogan of Turkey once said ” There is no such thing as moderate Islam. Islam is Islam.”
Report Post »fixer
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:38amscrew cair
Report Post »barber2
Posted on March 30, 2012 at 9:49amand don’t forget ThinkProgress : Another poorly named brainwashing tool of the International FAR LEFT…
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